Marbled homeware and furniture pieces to put you in a swirl
The latest interior trend is all about swirling patterns – think peacock feathers, ripples on water or veins in marble
Last year was all about the great ceramic revival, but for 2024 marbling is the craft to take centre-stage, with everyone from Henry Holland to Rio Kobayashi releasing undulating designs. The practice, which has its origins in the 12th century, is achieved by floating paints on liquid in a tray. Paper is then laid on top to soak up the unique swirling patterns. Today, designers and artists alike are popularising the spiralling lines, offering a contemporary take on the technique that still retains its mystical, transfixing qualities.
‘Swirl’ table runner, Zeena Shah for Ambar
If anyone knows a thing or two about giving your home a marble update, it’s stylist and designer Zeena Shah, who is also the author of the book Marbling: Projects, Design Ideas and Techniques for a More Colourful Life. Alongside the how-to guide, Shah has released a knitted tableware collection with London-based creative studio Ambar so you can put her tips into action. £180, ambarldn.com
‘Piece of Cake’, Rio Kobayashi
Designer of the moment Rio Kobayashi and industrial designer Flavia Brändle debuted this modular sofa at London Design Festival. It’s upholstered in a playful multi-coloured fabric formed of labyrinthine lines, which was designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher de Vos — the brains behind fashion company Peter Pilotto. £43,000, riokobayashi.com
‘Marbled Velvet’ fabric, Susi Bellamy
Threads of rich tobacco brown curl, unfurl and twist across this dusky mauve ‘Marbled Velvet’ fabric, creating a woozy pattern that’ll keep you stimulated whether used as curtains, on a cushion or for upholstery. £125 per metre, susi-bellamy.com
‘Beatrice’ candleholder, The Glass Studio
Fans of doughnut-shaped things (Sabine Marcelis we’re looking at you) will be enthralled by The Glass Studio’s ring-shaped dinner candleholders, which have a mesmerising marble pattern that is formed through the glassblowing process. £80, theglass.studio
‘Waves’ tablecloth, L’Objet
Psychedelic patterns curve across this 100 per cent linen sateen tablecloth, which will immediately transform any tablesetting into a trippy adventure. The sunny shades within the wave pattern match the 11 signature colours available in L’Objet’s napkins and tablecloths for coordinated pairing. £520, l-objet.com
‘Escargot Swirl’ vase, Henry Holland Studio
Henny Holland’s ‘Swirl’ collection includes this statement vase, which is aptly called ‘Escargot’ (oui, that’s the French word for snail). Its chocolate coloured lines, shiny glaze and groovy shape give it a retro look, while the fact that it is handmade means no two are the same. £245, henryhollandstudio.com
‘Canoa’ rug, Canoa Lab
For a marble-effect item with serious sustainable credentials, this handwoven rug is your answer. It’s made from post-consumer recycled plastic waste that is sourced from oceans. Each dreamy rug is handwoven on a traditional loom, making its pattern totally one of a kind. Approx £1,035, allcarugs.com
‘Brady’ coffee table, Minotti
Mother Nature’s marble is the ultimate swirling pattern and Rodolfo Dordoni’s ‘Brady’ coffee table for Minotti is a celebration of the metamorphic rock’s beauty. While organic veiny lines in chromatic shades form the top, it has a chunky supporting column that is both sturdy and impressive. From £7,525, minotti.com
‘Lotte’ onyx bowl, Studiopepe
Be the host with the most with ‘Lotte’, an onyx bowl crafted by design agency Studiopepe. It’s available in a honey onyx, white carrara, and this greeny-brown onyx marble, which is a rich, indulgent hue perfect for claiming the centre spot on any dining table. £397, bloc-studios.com
‘Swirl’ mirror, Laura Taylor
This glass mirror gives Alice In Wonderland a run for its money. Designed and made in Yorkshire by Laura Taylor, it has frosted glass coils on its front which have been introduced through the process of sandblasting. £75, glassette.com
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